Factors influencing the onset and progression of pododermatitis in captive flamingos (Phoenicopteridae).

Wyss, F. S.; Wenker, C.; Hoby, S.; Gardelli, B.; Studer-Thiersch, A.; von Houwald, F.; Schumacher, Vanessa; Clauss, M.; Doherr, Marcus G.; Häfeli, W.; Furrer, S.; Béchet, A.; Robert, N. (2013). Factors influencing the onset and progression of pododermatitis in captive flamingos (Phoenicopteridae). Schweizer Archiv für Tierheilkunde, 155(9), pp. 497-503. Huber 10.1024/0036-7281/a000499

[img] Text
fulltext.pdf - Published Version
Restricted to registered users only
Available under License Publisher holds Copyright.

Download (132kB) | Request a copy

Pododermatitis is a worldwide problem in captive flamingos. We performed an evaluation of different influence factors (age, sex, weight, origin, breeding status) and a comparison of foot lesions between several zoological institutions and the feet of free-ranging Greater flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus). A scoring system was used to determine the prevalence and types of lesions and severity. Cracks and nodules developed as early as 3 months of age and papillomatous growths as early as 6 to 7 months of age in captivity. Nodules with ulceration occurred significantly more often in birds older than 31 years and heavier than 4 kg. The comparison of different institutions revealed that birds kept in enclosures with natural-floored water ponds had significantly less severe lesions than birds kept in concrete water ponds. None of the free-ranging flamingos, which live on a muddy underground, showed any lesion. This study demonstrates that flooring, weight and age are important in the onset and progression of pododermatitis in flamingos.

Item Type:

Journal Article (Original Article)

Division/Institute:

05 Veterinary Medicine > Department of Clinical Research and Veterinary Public Health (DCR-VPH) > Veterinary Public Health Institute
05 Veterinary Medicine > Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology (DIP) > Institute of Animal Pathology

UniBE Contributor:

Schumacher, Vanessa, Doherr, Marcus

Subjects:

600 Technology > 630 Agriculture

ISSN:

0036-7281

Publisher:

Huber

Language:

German

Submitter:

Susanne Portner

Date Deposited:

08 Aug 2014 13:59

Last Modified:

05 Dec 2022 14:30

Publisher DOI:

10.1024/0036-7281/a000499

PubMed ID:

23985092

BORIS DOI:

10.7892/boris.44922

URI:

https://boris.unibe.ch/id/eprint/44922

Actions (login required)

Edit item Edit item
Provide Feedback